Defence Force job cuts not so black and white

The Public Service Association (PSA) says Gerry Brownlee needs to come clean on planned job cuts at the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) over the next few years, after documents revealed 713 affected military and civilian jobs by 2018.

The PSA represents 640 civilian staff working for NZDF across New Zealand.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said “Gerry Brownlee needs to sort this out immediately – people’s jobs are more important than pandas.”

“NZDF have told staff that there would not be any layoffs of existing staff, but at the same time they are laying off Veteran’s Affairs staff right now.

“How can NZDF’s promise that no staff will lose their jobs be given any credibility when they are already making staff redundant?

“NZDF staff and the public deserve honesty and clarity from Gerry Brownlee on his plans,” said Erin Polaczuk.